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Severn Records is pleased to release Small, Medium, Large by WPG Trio. Although the name may not be familiar to you yet, you may recognize the Washington, DC-based members as sought after musicians.

WPG Trio is a collaboration of exceptional performers – drummer Blues Webb, keyboardist Benjie Porecki and bassist Gary Grainger. According to The Washington Post, they are “one of the Washington area’s tightest and best jazz bands” as evidenced on their exciting debut release for Severn Records, Small, Medium, Large. Here, the trio combines the stylings of today’s R&B and Jazz with classic low-down Funk resulting in a sound so infectious it’s guaranteed to have listeners dancing, tapping their feet and doing the “head-bob.” Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” the ever-popular “Misty,” and the unexpected, surprise rendition of “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover” are just a few examples of how this trio makes a standard its own.

Porecki is featured on two self-penned numbers including the Stevie Wonder inspired “A Place To Go,” and Blues turns in a winning performance on the moving “Everything Must Change.” Further highlights include “Little Wing,” featuring special guest Dawn Robinson, and the single made popular by Sting, “It’s Probably Me” with Gary taking a turn at the microphone. As the disc unfolds, each new track delves deeper into the performer’s talents, showcasing their virtuosity and versatility—from soulful and jazzy to down right funky.

Andre “Blues” Webb is a first-class drummer and vocalist whose technical skill is matched only by his entertaining stage presence. He has enjoyed a career that has taken him all over the world, including stints with Bee Bee & Cee Cee Winans, Gladys Knight, Billy Preston, Najee and the Ken Navarro Group.

Keyboardist Benjie Porecki released his self-produced Going On Through in 1996 then followed it up two years later with his debut recording for Severn Records, Servin’ It Up, which received excellent reviews in JazzTimes, Jazziz, Blues Access and Blues Revue magazines. The Rest of My Life is Benjie’s other CD in his Severn catalog.

Gary Grainger has been called one of the most tasteful bass players on the scene today. His seamless approach to virtually any style of music has led to work with John Scofield, Dennis Chambers and Nancy Wilson. Co-founder of GBM Records, Gary’s debut release with brother Greg, Grainger Phase I, received critical acclaim and successful airplay.

LINER NOTES

WPG would like to thank: First and foremost, we would like to thank God; the WPG Fan Club for their support of the gigs; the hard core fans including Ellen (who braves it anywhere in the world to hang with us) and Gussie (who braves it to any climate in the world to hang with us). A big thanks to Dawn Robinson for sangin’ with us; Luann & Jimmy Brown of the late City Blues Cafe (the birthplace of the WPG Trio); Nancy and Lewie of the late Lewie’s; Arnissa Pratt for all of her work on the website; Mike Lipman for all of the bookings; Terry at Sweet Caroline’s for his support of the funk; the staff of the now defunked (and defunct) BET On Jazz Restaurant; Will Smith for the bookings; Skip Pruit, Brian Fox, and Paul Reed Smith for sharing the funk.

Benjie Porecki would like to thank: God for everything; my mother and father for ALWAYS being supportive and having so much love for me; Blues and Gary for being some bad mother…..SHUT YOUR MOUTH….but I’m just talking about Gary and Blues, and for being good brothers; Greg for transforming the WPG into GPG when Blues is out; cornbread, pigsfeet, & Siberian mule possum knuckles for providing us with the funk. Gary Grainger would like to thank: Michele, Chelsea, and Cloee for dealing with my crazy scheduling; Greg Grainger for filling in when Blues is out (GPG Trio). Blues Webb would like to thank: God, my Savior for life; Cornelius and Rachel Webb for being the best parents ever; my brother for teaching me about the pocket; my sister Debra and her family; Cornell, Johnny, Danisha, and Danny; the fellas – Benjie, Gary, Rick, Marc, Alvin, and P.J.; Spur Of The Moment; Mike and family. Everyone else, I’ll call you.

MUSICIANS

Blues Webb: Drums, Vocals and Handclaps
Benjie Porecki: Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals and Handclaps
Gary Grainger: Bass, Vocals, and Handclaps
Dawn Robinson: Vocals on “Little Wing” (not available on download)

CREDITS

Produced by WPG
Executive Producer: David Earl
Engineered by Chris Biondo
Recorded at Chris Biondo’s joint and at Omega Studios
Mixed at Omega Studios by Eric Lemley
All piano and Rhodes overdubs engineered by Eric Lemley
Mastered at Airshow Mastering by Charlie Pilzer
Photography/Digital Enhancement by Randy Santos
CD Design by Steve Potter
Endorsements: Gary Grainger uses Ken Smith Bass, Dean Markley Strings, Tech amps & speakers
Blues Webb uses Mapex drums and Sabian cymbals

Severn CD0013